Since its launch in March this year, Starbucks’ “Curbside Pickup” service, launched in collaboration with Amap (Gaode Maps), was originally designed to offer commuters a more convenient coffee purchasing experience. However, during the special National Day holiday event, it sparked user complaints due to insufficient giveaways and inaccurate system matching. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the event’s highlights and actual usage pain points, along with practical ordering tips and precautions to help readers avoid common issues. [more…]

When premium coffee beans like Gesha are used for espresso, a $38 (approx.) Gesha Americano sparked widespread discussion. What exactly is the extraction logic behind high-priced SOE (Single-Origin Espresso)? This article dives deep into the bean cost, extraction difficulty, and market positioning, and introduces you to the unique flavor characteristics of SOE, helping you find truly worthwhile specialty coffee options. [more…]

Guji is an emerging hub for specialty coffee in Ethiopia. Since becoming independent from Sidamo in 2010, it has rapidly garnered international attention due to its unique flavor profiles and high quality. This article takes you through Guji’s core geographical conditions, the advantages of its volcanic soil, and its high-altitude characteristics. We also delve into the origin stories and coffee flavor profiles of three key sub-regions—Hambella, Shakiso, and Uraga—to help you better understand the unique personalities of these areas and gain practical insights for selection and tasting. [more…]

Wetting the filter paper is a basic step in pour over brewing, but is it better to use hot or room temperature water? In this test, we used resin, ceramic, and copper filter cones under identical brewing conditions, wetting the filter paper with either room temperature water or water above 90°C. We observed subtle changes in the brewed coffee’s temperature, concentration, and flavor. The results show that water temperature not only affects extraction efficiency, but also alters the perception of sweetness and acidity. Understanding these differences helps you fine-tune your technique and brew more flavorful coffee. [more…]

Step behind the counter of an independent coffee shop, and you might think you're only seeing elegant latte art and precise extractions. In reality, a barista’s day often starts with washing stacks of dirty cups and dishes. This article takes an in-depth look at the real work that goes on behind the bar — from basic cup-washing techniques and equipment maintenance to customer service — revealing the unseen efforts and passion behind this profession. [more…]

The hygiene management of Luckin Coffee stores often becomes a hot topic online, especially the employees' high-frequency and meticulous handwashing protocols, which have even earned them the nickname 'Handwashing Heroes.' From scheduled handwashing, immediate cleaning after touching items, to thorough cleaning before quality inspections, their hygiene requirements are nearly stringent. This article delves into the actual practices of Luckin in store cleanliness and quality control through real feedback from frontline employees and consumers, helping readers understand the intentions and effectiveness behind these strict measures. [more…]

Amid abnormal weather and pest outbreaks, Indonesia’s coffee production has continued to decline, with exports in the 2023/24 season projected to plummet by 32%. To tackle these challenges, local research institutions have introduced the Komasti Arabica variety, which is resistant to leaf rust and offers high yields. Its effectiveness is being validated through demonstration plots. This article delves into the research background, real-world performance, and current promotion status of this variety, exploring whether it could be a key solution for the region’s transformation. [more…]

Matsuya-style pour over is a classic brewing technique originating from Japan in 1962. It achieves true steeping by using a lid, combined with an ultra-high coffee-to-water ratio and a special process, to create a stable and intense coffee flavor. This article provides an in-depth analysis of its principles, practical steps, and key parameters, using a dark roasted Sumatra Golden Mandheling as an example to help you master this unique method and experience a different charm of pour over coffee. [more…]

McDonald’s premium coffee brand, McCafé, has rapidly expanded in the Chinese market, with store numbers surpassing 3,200. It emphasizes a specialty route featuring semi-automatic coffee machines and dedicated baristas. However, recently some consumers have reported operational issues in certain outlets, such as unweighed coffee doses, uncompressed coffee grounds, and inadequate cleaning of steam wands, sparking discussions on quality control standards. This article will delve into the gap between McCafé’s standard procedures and actual practices, helping readers understand key aspects of coffee preparation and [more…]

After the viral success of Luckin Coffee and Moutai's collab "Sauce-Flavored Latte," a wave of solid beverages with red backgrounds and blue-white diagonal stripes—featuring highly similar names and designs—have emerged. Do such products constitute trademark infringement? Lawyers note that even without registration in specific categories, similar packaging can still break the law if it causes consumer confusion. This article delves into the current legal stance, common points of infringement disputes, and offers practical advice on identifying key design elements. [more…]

In a global first, the World Coffee Research (WCR) organization has partnered with a Swedish laboratory to establish an SNP genetic fingerprint database covering 23 commonly grown Arabica coffee varieties, now made freely available to the industry. Through simple leaf sampling and genetic testing, producers can effectively verify the genetic purity of their coffee trees and avoid losses caused by misidentification of varieties. This article explains the principles behind SNP technology, its application value, and how to use this valuable resource to ensure varietal consistency. [more…]

Since its establishment last year, Luckin Coffee has rapidly expanded overseas within just one year. Its initial foray into the Japanese market has garnered significant attention from both the industry and consumers. The brand is promoting a low-price strategy, offering drinks priced between 100 and 300 yen during the opening period—far below the market average—sparking a wave of social media check-ins. However, once the promotions end, prices will adjust to 500–650 yen, aligning with brands like Starbucks. What kind of strategy does Luckin rely on to establish itself in Japan’s highly competitive coffee market? This [more…]

During the National Day Golden Week, the F&B industry welcomed a long-awaited surge in foot traffic, yet independent coffee shops exhibited extreme polarization. Some stores were so overwhelmed with orders that they blew their circuit breakers, while others near tourist attractions or office buildings sold as few as 19 cups in a single day. This article dissects these two contrasting operational scenarios through real-life cases, analyzes the key differentiating factors between peak and off-peak seasons, and offers actionable adjustment strategies for small and medium-sized coffee operators — helping you seize holiday business opportunities and align with subsequent operational rhythms. [more…]

In recent years, coffee markets have flourished across various regions. Although small cups of specialty coffee, averaging around $40 each, attract crowds, they have also sparked considerable discussion. Long queues, noisy environments, and even ticketed entry for some events have led many consumers to question their value for money. What makes these specialty coffees so special? Is the coffee culture in these markets gradually becoming "bubble tea-ified"? This article delves into the current state of coffee markets and analyzes the perspectives of both consumers and industry stakeholders. [more…]

With its distinctive sweet and aromatic taste, the Spanish latte has become a focal point of discussion among coffee enthusiasts in recent years. This coffee beverage, with sweetened condensed milk as its soul, is not only rich and sweet but also shares a deep historical connection with Vietnamese drip coffee. This article will delve into the unique preparation characteristics and flavor profile of the Spanish latte, trace its profound ties to Vietnamese coffee culture, and show you how it has emerged on the international coffee scene. [more…]

When using pour over coffee without professional equipment, it’s common to encounter issues like weak or overly bitter flavors. In fact, by paying attention to your cup’s capacity and shape, and adjusting the water volume and temperature based on the common coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15, you can significantly improve extraction. This article will teach you how to find the most suitable brewing method based on the cup you use daily, ensuring each cup of pour over coffee showcases a clean and balanced flavor. [more…]

Recently, the well-known Canadian chain brand Tim Hortons has come under public scrutiny after consumers reported that the portion sizes of their breakfast Farmer’s Donuts and coffee drinks appeared to have decreased. Many customers noted that the food items looked smaller, yet the prices either remained the same or even increased, sparking discussions around "shrinkflation." The official response stated that there were no changes to the recipes, only updates to the packaging design. This article will take you through the details of the controversy, consumer observations, and more. [more…]

Have you noticed that more and more baristas are sporting unique tattoos these days? From chain brands to independent cafés, this trend seems to be on the rise. Is it a shift in industry culture or a desire for personal expression? This article delves into the evolution of Starbucks’ tattoo policy, explores the relationship between tattoos and barista professional identity, and shares how to evaluate a barista’s skills through professionalism and coffee quality—offering readers a more comprehensive perspective. [more…]

At the Hangzhou Asian Games, swimming star Wang Shun won gold with a record-breaking performance in Asia. Luckin Coffee had already pinpointed this promising athlete before the event and successfully capitalized on the momentum through swift commercial collaboration. This article delves into how Luckin utilized a short-cycle partnership strategy to boost brand exposure and drive sales growth in tandem with the athlete, while also exploring the differences and advantages of this marketing approach compared to traditional endorsements. [more…]

Pour over coffee is a top choice for many coffee enthusiasts due to its flexible brewing process and pure flavor. However, although there are plenty of online tutorials, they often lack a systematic approach—causing many people to unknowingly fall into common pitfalls during practice. Every step, from parameter settings and bloom timing to pouring circles, can influence the final flavor outcome. This article compiles six common self-learning mistakes, offering an in-depth analysis based on real-world experience to help you avoid traps and steadily improve your pour over skills. [more…]